Eagles swamped by Green Wave

The Oran High School boys basketball team knew they had a tough task in front of them last night as they took on top-seeded Malden in the semi-final round of the 61st Annual Oran Invitational Tournament.  The Eagles didn't make it any easier on themselves when they missed six shots and had a turnover during their first seven possessions.  When Cole Priggel finally got a short jumper to fall with 4:20 remaining in the opening period, they were fortunate to only be down 6-2.

The Green Wave held Oran to only 5 first quarter points and led 10-5 after one.

Malden was up 33-11 with a minute remaining until halftime before the Eagles went on a quick 7 point spurt, capped by a Max Priggel three-pointer, cut margin to 15 to keep Oran's hopes alive.

During that first half, Malden hit 7 treys and was 4 of 5 from the line.

They stretched their lead to over 20 during the third quarter, but again a late flurry helped the Eagles trim the deficit back to 20.  By that time, however,  it was all but over.  Oran dropped the game by a final score of 64-48.

Three Eagles scored in double figures.  Cole Priggel led a balanced scoring attack with 15 before fouling out late.  Max Priggel had 13, while Layne Johnson added 10, including 2 treys.

Jacob Shoemaker also hit 2 three's and was 2 for 2 from the free throw stripe for his 8 points.  He too fouled out in the fourth.  Wyatt Kinney and Ben Fox both sank a free throw apiece for their tallies.

Luke Barnes, Bradley Brooks and Drew Reischman played but did not score.

Oran was 9 of 15 on free throw attempts for 60%.

The 4th-seeded Eagles, now 1-1 on the season, will take the number two seeded Advance Hornets tonight at 6:30 pm in search of the third place trophy.  Advance was upset last night by the third-seed Scott County Central Braves, 91-75.

The Braves will face the Green Wave in the tournament championship game following Oran's.  It is scheduled for an 8 pm tip-off.

The first game of the evening will start at 5 pm. It is the consolation championship game featuring #5 Bell City and #7 Chaffee.

What the professionals have to say:  Game story